Former Barnet Council leader Alan Williams has resigned from his Burnt Oak seat.

Mr Williams a Labour firebrand nicknamed the Beast of Burnt Oak led the council from 1994 to 2002, and was the only non-Conservative to hold the post since the council was formed almost 40 years ago.

He is standing down a year after the Conservatives regained power in Barnet, and said he wants to spend more time with his family.

He said: "Although my pride in representing the Burnt Oak community has not diminished, the greater time allowed since May last year for reflection has enabled me to realise that much of my family life and career has, to an extent, been put on hold for some time while I have devoted myself to council business."

He added: "I will continue to do all that I can to support my fellow Burnt Oak residents in their campaign for better services and the retention of the Burnt Oak Youth and Community Centre."

Mr Williams became Labour group leader in 1991 and was famed for his confrontational style and iron grip on the council. He resigned as leader in March this year and was succeeded by East Finchley councillor Phil Yeoman.

In an interview with this newspaper in June last year, soon after Labour's election defeat, he said: "My children were four and two when we won the council and so, for eight years, they've had a weekend dad, and they were eight of the most important years in kids' lives. So they're now 12 and ten, and I want to spend a lot of time with them, or as much time as possible. I'm reconnecting with my family."

Liberal Democrat group leader Monroe Palmer, who was a cabinet member in the Labour/Lib Dem administration led by Mr Williams, said: "I have enjoyed working with him in what has been a pragmatic relationship, showing that two different parties have got on well together, even people who have had different views.

"That was a great credit to him and a great benefit to the community and I believe that Barnet Council will be a worse place without his involvement. I wish him well in his future career."

Conservative council leader Victor Lyon said: "I wish him well as far as his family and his personal life are concerned."

A by-election in Burnt Oak, a safe Labour ward, will take place in June.

May 1, 2003 15:30